Bhullar verdict draws rift between BJP, SAD

The coalition partners in Punjab government SAD and BJP have differed on the Supreme Court verdict of dismissing terrorist Devinderpal Singh Bhullar’s plea for commuting his death sentence to life imprisonment. HT reports.

The coalition partners in Punjab government SAD and BJP have differed on the Supreme Court verdict of dismissing terrorist Devinderpal Singh Bhullar’s plea for commuting his death sentence to life imprisonment.

“We are deeply sad at the judgment, we never expected such kind of verdict,” said SAD general secretary Prem Singh Chandumajra.

While Balramji Das Tondon a senior BJP leader from Punjab, said that a terrorist should not be pardoned and be dealt strictly as per law.

“I feel that in this case, instead of going by legal and technical grounds, the sentiments of the community and humanity should have been taken into consideration," demanded Chandumajra. On the other hand Tondon said our party has no soft corner for terrorists.

“Because of them Punjab is suffering even today,” he adds. Justifying BJP’s stand different from that of SAD’s Tondon said both parties have different ideologies and the common ground is that they are partner in Punjab government.

Commenting on the apex court order, party Vice-President Balbir Punj said, “the Supreme Court judgement must be respected and whatsoever punishment has been awarded by the higher court should be implemented. And there cannot be any exception”.

He added that those who dare to challenge the authority of the state and those who wage a war against the state should be ready to face the consequences.

Contrary to BJP’s stand, SAD has issued appeal to the president to review his decision and also appeal to the PM to intervene in the matter as Bhullar is mentally sick.

DSGMC to look for legal options

Delhi Sikh Gurdwara Management committee (DSGMC) president Manjit Singh GK though said the he respects the decision of the apex court but it has saddened the Sikh community.

“There was never any material evidence against Bhullar it was Daya Singh Lahoria who was actually behind the bomb blast of 1993, but Bhullar has no major role,” GK sais referring to the details of the case. He further added that getting DSGMC would look into the options of legal remedies to save Bhullar.

“Going back to the genesis of the problem it was 1984 riots and operation blue star in Darbar Sahib which played with the sentiments of the Sikh community. But the victims of 1984 riots are still suffering and none has been punished so far,” added GK.

He appealed to the Sikh community maintain peace and harmony in the testing time. SGPC president Avtar Singh Makkar has also said that the decision by the apex court has shocked the community.